Respect the Clock: The Art of Not Keeping Anyone Waiting

Time isn’t just money—it’s respect, trust, and connection. Yet, somehow, making others wait has become the status quo. It’s not just annoying; it’s a quiet insult. Think about it: someone adjusts their schedule, navigates traffic, or logs into your Zoom room on time, only to sit twiddling their thumbs because you’re running behind? That’s not just a missed minute—it’s a missed opportunity to show you value their time.

Here’s the thing: punctuality isn’t about perfection; it’s about priorities. Start by auditing your day. Are you overbooking? Overestimating how much you can cram into 30 minutes? Build a cushion between meetings—15 minutes of breathing room works wonders. Set reminders, sync calendars, or delegate. Tools like Calendly can help keep scheduling seamless, and old-fashioned alarms still get the job done.

This isn’t just about clients. Your employees and team deserve the same respect. Running late to a team huddle? That ripple of tardiness can cascade through their day. Lead by example. Model timeliness, and they’ll follow suit.

Being on time is a simple, powerful gesture. It says, “I see you, I respect you, and I value what you bring.” And if there’s one thing people remember, it’s how you made them feel—even when the clock was ticking.

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Mitch Jackson | links